A second half strike from Lee Gregory was enough for the Owls to get their league campaign back on track as Bolton were beaten 1-0 at Hillsborough.

A game of few talking points came to life when Gregory plundered what proved the winner to nudge his side back towards the business end of the table.

The Trotters did ask questions of the Wednesday defence, which ultimately held firm with a clean sheet to boot.

In a lively opening at both ends, Saido Berahino powered forward straight from kick-off and dragged wide before Bolton squandered a gilt-edged chance to hit the front.

Former Owls striker Elias Kachunga broke free into the box on the angle and squared for Eoin Doyle, who somehow failed to connect six yards out.

Oladapo Afolayan was off target from range as the visitors continued on the front foot and Liam Palmer thwarted Doyle on the turn.

Wednesday had plenty of the ball without really troubling the Bolton backline until just past the half-hour mark when Gregory’s powerful header forced Joel Dixon into action right under his crossbar.

Berahino picked the pocket of Ricardo Santos down the left of the penalty area but could only find the side-netting before Declan John curled a set piece just wide to conclude a goalless first half..

Joe Wildsmith was alert to keep out Doyle immediately after the restart, after which possession was relatively even.

Much of the play unfolded in the middle, with occasional bursts at both ends. Callum Paterson flashed a high shot wide as the Owls threatened before the breakthrough came on 66 minutes.

Jack Hunt found space down the right and his intelligent first time cross was slammed into the back of the Kop net by Gregory.

The goal forced Bolton upfield, where Doyle had a fierce shot charged down by Palmer and likewise Jaden Brown to deny Afolayan.

John drilled a low feed into the danger zone that evaded three attackers and there was to be no way through for Bolton as Wednesday kept the Trotters at bay through the closing stages to take the points.

Wednesday: Wildsmith, Hunt, Iorfa, Gibson (Dunkley 46), Palmer, Hutchinson (Adeniran 46), Bannan, Brown (Shodipo 73), Berahino, Paterson, Gregory